Endometriosis Surgery Singapore: Is it worth it? Endometriosis can cause significant pelvic pain, heavy menstruation, and even fertility c...
Endometriosis Surgery Singapore: Is it worth it?
Endometriosis can cause significant pelvic pain, heavy menstruation, and even fertility complications in some cases. As a potential treatment especially if you have not responded well to medications or other treatments, you may be recommended endometriosis surgery. Singapore is endowed with varied and advanced treatment options so you might understandably wonder, is endometriosis surgery really worth it?
Now, while endometriosis surgery can be effective, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Ideally, you will want to weigh both the physical and emotional aspects before proceeding. Read on as we break down what you need to know to decide whether endometriosis surgery in Singapore could be the right option for you.
What is the Purpose of Endometriosis Surgery?
If you've been recommended endometriosis surgery in Singapore, the treatment will typically remove or reduce endometrial tissue that has grown outside of the uterus. This procedure can be conducted either via laparoscopic excision (minimally invasive surgery) or through more extensive options like laparotomy for complex cases.
- Laparoscopy: This is the most common surgical approach, which uses small incisions and a laparoscope to locate and remove lesions. It’s preferred for its minimally invasive nature, shorter recovery time, and typically fewer complications.
- Laparotomy: In more severe cases where endometriosis involves significant scarring or deeply embedded tissues, a more invasive surgery may be needed. This procedure requires a larger incision and has a longer recovery period.
In addition to lesion removal, some patients may require hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), particularly if other treatments have failed and they do not plan to have children. Hysterectomy may also involve the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, depending on the severity of the condition and the extent of pain.
A critical point to understand is that while surgery can provide significant symptom relief, endometriosis can recur in many cases. According to trusted medical reports, recurrence rates can be as high as 40% within five years if endometriosis tissue is only treated with conservative treatments, while a more radical approach like hysterectomy might reduce this risk to around 20%-30%.
However, not every woman needs or is suitable for such an extensive procedure. Specialists at accredited clinics like Dr Ma Li Clinic often use a combination of advanced imaging and thorough preoperative assessment to ensure that surgery targets all pain-contributing tissues to maximize the chances of lasting relief while minimizing risks and complications.
Surgery for endometriosis can significantly improve quality of life, particularly for those who have struggled with chronic pain or fertility issues for a long time. Here are some benefits:
- Pain Relief: Endometriosis is often accompanied by debilitating pain that can impact daily activities, work, and relationships. Surgical removal of lesions can provide significant pain relief, especially when other treatments, like hormone therapy, fail to help.
- Improved Fertility: For those wanting to conceive, endometriosis surgery can increase the likelihood of pregnancy. Removing growths that are obstructing reproductive organs may help restore fertility, especially in milder cases of the disease.
- Increased Symptom Control: Patients who undergo surgery, especially those with deep endometriosis or endometriomas, often experience better symptom control post-procedure compared to relying on medication alone. Customized surgeries tailored to the patient’s specific disease characteristics are often the most effective.
Is Endometriosis Surgery Safe
While undergoing endometriosis surgery in Singapore can be life-changing, there are risks and considerations you will want to acknowledge before deciding to undergo the procedure. Key among these risks and considerations include;
- Recurrence: Even with surgery, endometriosis can recur. As noted earlier, recurrence rates for conservative treatments can reach up to 40% within five years. Thus, surgery is sometimes part of a broader, lifelong management plan, not a definitive cure.
- Fertility Concerns: For women considering pregnancy, removal of ovarian tissue during surgery can affect fertility. However, preserving ovarian tissue in severe cases might also allow endometriosis to return. You may need a balanced treatment that involves consultations with fertility specialists to help in decision-making.
- Surgical Risks: Like any surgery, endometriosis procedures carry risks, including infection, damage to surrounding organs (such as the bladder or intestines), and complications from anesthesia. You will want to choose a skilled surgeon to minimize these risks.
- Emotional Impact: Endometriosis and its treatments can have a profound emotional toll, especially for those struggling with fertility or considering the removal of reproductive organs. Counseling or support groups can be valuable for managing these emotional aspects.
What is the Recovery Process after Endometriosis Surgery?
The recovery process after endometriosis surgery varies considerably depending on the type of procedure performed. Here's what you can typically expect though;
- Laparoscopic Surgery: Recovery from a laparoscopic surgery is typically quicker. Most patients can go home the same day or after a one-night stay in the hospital. Full recovery often takes about two to four weeks, during which time patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities. Pain medications may be prescribed to manage post-surgical discomfort. You must follow all post-op care instructions to minimize the risk of complications.
- Laparotomy: Recovery from a laparotomy is more intensive. It involves a hospital stay of several days, and full recovery can take up to six weeks. Patients are generally advised to take a break from work during this period and gradually reintroduce physical activities as they heal.
After your endometriosis surgery in Singapore, you will be advised to adopt certain lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risks of complications and speed up recovery. Adjustments may include maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding alcohol consumption and smoking to speed up the recovery process.
You will also want to keep up with your post-operative appointments to help your doctor monitor for any signs of recurrence or complications. This will also be a good time to discuss hormone therapies, which can help minimize the likelihood of recurrence.
Is Endometriosis Surgery Worth It?
Whether endometriosis surgery is "worth it" largely depends on your individual circumstances. For many women, surgery can provide significant symptom relief, improved quality of life, and increased chances of conceiving. If you have severe symptoms that aren’t being managed with medication, or if endometriosis is affecting your fertility, surgery may be a beneficial step.
However, the risk of recurrence and potential complications means it isn’t a guaranteed solution. Given the complex and chronic nature of endometriosis, surgery often works best as part of a broader, comprehensive treatment plan that includes medical management and lifestyle adjustments.
In Closing
Endometriosis surgery in Singapore can be helpful if you're facing chronic pain or fertility challenges. However, before proceeding, you will want to acknowledge the risks, potential recurrence, and emotional considerations before proceeding.
Please consult a specialist to discuss your individual needs, and consider all available treatments to help you decide if surgery is the right choice for you. Schedule an appointment below;
Dr Ma Li Clinic For Women & Advanced Pelvic Surgery - Gynaecologist | Endometriosis Singapore
3 Mount Elizabeth, #09-08 Medical Centre,
Singapore 228510
+65 6022 0933
